Alloa-lo
After last week's football-less horror show, I decided to return to the Indodrill Stadium; usual home of Alloa Athletic, but also hosts to Lowland League side BSC Glasgow. I'm sure I'm not alone in finding it odd that BSC Glasgow play their home games some 52km from Glasgow (well, 52km from where I live in Govanhill - thanks Groundhopper!). Nonetheless, they do, and Saturday's clash against Civil Service Strollers of Edinburgh allowed me the chance to return to the second Scottish football ground that I'd been to. Of the 37 grounds this side of the border that I've been to, it remains my absolute favourite.
Don't get me wrong; some other grounds run it pretty close. In fact, I'll give a shout out to Civil Service Strollers, who themselves play at Christie Gillies Park. It's essentially a park in Muirhouse with bags of character. There's James McGrory Park in the East End of Glasgow - home of St Rochs. The ground boasts some poignant graffiti that reads 'NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL' - a refreshing change from the anti-immigrant rhetoric that has become all too familiar in this day and age, occasionally finding its way onto the terraces.
Some honourable mentions should go to Cappielow Park (home of Greenock Morton), New Central Park (home of Kelty Hearts), Cliftonhill (home of Albion Rovers) and Newlandsfield (home of my local Juniors side, Pollok). But ultimately, it's the Indodrill that remains my favourite Scottish stadium. Perhaps it's the fact that it sits adjacent to the Ochil Hills, which can be seen on a clear day. Perhaps it's the stark contrast on all four sides of the ground. Or perhaps it's the fact that you can buy a hot dog and a Bovril for £2.50. In any case, it's an absolute beauty of a ground that any Groundhoppers should look to tick off.
Trains between Alloa and Glasgow aren't all that regular, meaning that I needed to plan my journey properly. I had attempted to return back in September, but failure to plan meant that I wouldn't have arrived at the game in time. I went to Dumbarton instead for a 2nd time, where I saw the hosts lose 1-2 to a well organised Clyde side. I had to wait 35 minutes for the train back to Glasgow, although thankfully I had a book with me.
I took the 13:50 from Queen Street, which got me into Alloa around 20 minutes before Kick-Off. I grabbed a drink before making the short walk up the road to the ground, where the attendance was pretty sparse. The crowd barely even applauded as the sides made their way out onto the pitch. Nevertheless, it was set to be a good game, with both sides level on points in the table, albeit the hosts had played two games more and boasted a far superior goal difference.
It didn't take them long to assert their dominance, as they were awarded a penalty early on. That was missed by Declan Hughes before Robbie McNab converted the rebound. Moments later, they were awarded another penalty, which Declan Hughes bravely stepped up for and made no mistake on this occasion.
The Strollers began to build something before, in typical footballing fashion, going 3-0 down to a goal from the prolific Thomas Orr - his ninth of the campaign. With the game already won, the second half was a flat affair. Strollers threatened a comeback through Andy Mair, but their hopes were short-lived, as Thomas Collins volleyed in from a wonderful free-kick to make it 4-1. Next up for BSC Glasgow is a trip to East Fife in the Scottish Cup; a game that I will hopefully be attending. On this evidence, an upset is far from impossible.
Currently reading: Giles Tremlett - Ghosts of Spain:
Ever since reading Orwell's Homage to Catalonia, I've developed a keen interest in Spain and its colourful and often chequered history. As far as historical and contemporary accounts of Spain go, Tremlett's book is an absolute masterpiece that covers the diverse and fascinating beast that is Spain.
Currently listening to: Daughters - You Won't Get What You Want:
An album that I've had recommended to me on several occasions. It combines a sonic brutality with a terrifying beauty that is quite frankly stunning.
Next up: I will hopefully be watching BSC Glasgow again, although this time in their huge cup tie in Methill against East Fife.
Don't get me wrong; some other grounds run it pretty close. In fact, I'll give a shout out to Civil Service Strollers, who themselves play at Christie Gillies Park. It's essentially a park in Muirhouse with bags of character. There's James McGrory Park in the East End of Glasgow - home of St Rochs. The ground boasts some poignant graffiti that reads 'NO HUMAN IS ILLEGAL' - a refreshing change from the anti-immigrant rhetoric that has become all too familiar in this day and age, occasionally finding its way onto the terraces.
Some honourable mentions should go to Cappielow Park (home of Greenock Morton), New Central Park (home of Kelty Hearts), Cliftonhill (home of Albion Rovers) and Newlandsfield (home of my local Juniors side, Pollok). But ultimately, it's the Indodrill that remains my favourite Scottish stadium. Perhaps it's the fact that it sits adjacent to the Ochil Hills, which can be seen on a clear day. Perhaps it's the stark contrast on all four sides of the ground. Or perhaps it's the fact that you can buy a hot dog and a Bovril for £2.50. In any case, it's an absolute beauty of a ground that any Groundhoppers should look to tick off.
Trains between Alloa and Glasgow aren't all that regular, meaning that I needed to plan my journey properly. I had attempted to return back in September, but failure to plan meant that I wouldn't have arrived at the game in time. I went to Dumbarton instead for a 2nd time, where I saw the hosts lose 1-2 to a well organised Clyde side. I had to wait 35 minutes for the train back to Glasgow, although thankfully I had a book with me.
I took the 13:50 from Queen Street, which got me into Alloa around 20 minutes before Kick-Off. I grabbed a drink before making the short walk up the road to the ground, where the attendance was pretty sparse. The crowd barely even applauded as the sides made their way out onto the pitch. Nevertheless, it was set to be a good game, with both sides level on points in the table, albeit the hosts had played two games more and boasted a far superior goal difference.
It didn't take them long to assert their dominance, as they were awarded a penalty early on. That was missed by Declan Hughes before Robbie McNab converted the rebound. Moments later, they were awarded another penalty, which Declan Hughes bravely stepped up for and made no mistake on this occasion.
The Strollers began to build something before, in typical footballing fashion, going 3-0 down to a goal from the prolific Thomas Orr - his ninth of the campaign. With the game already won, the second half was a flat affair. Strollers threatened a comeback through Andy Mair, but their hopes were short-lived, as Thomas Collins volleyed in from a wonderful free-kick to make it 4-1. Next up for BSC Glasgow is a trip to East Fife in the Scottish Cup; a game that I will hopefully be attending. On this evidence, an upset is far from impossible.
Currently reading: Giles Tremlett - Ghosts of Spain:
Ever since reading Orwell's Homage to Catalonia, I've developed a keen interest in Spain and its colourful and often chequered history. As far as historical and contemporary accounts of Spain go, Tremlett's book is an absolute masterpiece that covers the diverse and fascinating beast that is Spain.
Currently listening to: Daughters - You Won't Get What You Want:
An album that I've had recommended to me on several occasions. It combines a sonic brutality with a terrifying beauty that is quite frankly stunning.
Next up: I will hopefully be watching BSC Glasgow again, although this time in their huge cup tie in Methill against East Fife.
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